TULSA, OK – A federal report reveals that Oklahoma State University is
currently under investigation by the USDA for a major violation of the Animal Welfare Act
which caused the deaths of many animals.

Information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act reveals that the
USDA’s IES (Investigation and Enforcement Services) division currently
has an
investigation open regarding inadequate indoor facilities at OSU.

The violation centers around an incident in which a HVAC system
malfunctioned in January of 2010, causing the deaths of numerous rats, mice, and prairie voles. The USDA
document lists the violation as serious.

“Oklahoma State University deserves to be fined for this incident which
killed many animals,” said Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director, SAEN. “It makes no
difference what the
species of animal is, the law is the law, and this criminal facility
deserves to be punished.”

According to USDA policy a penalty can be imposed of $10,000 per infraction.